Post Number 4350: This is a new record! My first 4,000+ blog post – hooray! It's like an entire troupe of ballerinas has helped me write all these!
Well, my fellow tutu-loving darlings, the time machine whirred and hissed (like a particularly excited audience at the Bolshoi) and I'm back! This week, we're whisking back to Paris, oh, la la! 11th May 1915, to be exact.
Now, I know what you're thinking – “Emma, it's the middle of a war, why would you pick such a date?”. Don’t worry, darlings! While the war raged on, life still went on, even in the City of Lights.
First off, let's discuss the big reason we're in Paris! Ballet! Specifically, the beautiful Palais Garnier. Yes, this grand old dame has been around since 1875, and back then, the French love for ballet was absolutely fervent.
But hold on! Something quite interesting about 1915 is that a brand new ballet company was just beginning their performances, the “Ballets Russes”. It's no ordinary troupe though – it was led by the legendary Sergei Diaghilev!
And did you know? 11th May 1915 saw them perform “Le Sacre du Printemps”! It was a revolution in the world of dance. No more pretty costumes and dainty steps! “Sacre” was dark, primal, with revolutionary choreography by Vaslav Nijinsky! (This dance became a hit and was performed many times over the years!)
And as much as I love all my fellow tutus, I confess that there was one dancer, the absolutely gorgeous Tamara Karsavina I'd heard so much about, with her stunning figure and expressive face, I was simply besotted.
Of course, what's a trip to Paris without a little fashion! I strolled down the Avenue de l’Opéra, feeling like a fairytale princess in my vibrant pink tutu! 1915 saw some striking fashion – women's hats were adorned with exotic feathers, bold colours were favoured in gowns, and daring short skirts were all the rage!
Did you know? 11th May 1915 also saw the opening of the Paris department store Printemps, known for its stylish and fashionable attire! So naturally, I couldn’t resist a spot of shopping. Can you imagine the fun I had trying on gowns, trying on hats, choosing luxurious silks! But my ultimate purchases? A delightful rose-hued silk shawl, to drape over my own tutu, and a stunning silk, ribbon-laced, pink sun hat! Because even in the early days of the 20th Century, a bit of pink always brightens the day, right?
But fashion wasn't just limited to the rich! The 1915 Paris of the day was a world of contrast, a vibrant mixture of bustling crowds, chic cafes, and lively marketplaces. Even in those harder times, people sought beauty in everyday life, and the passion for art, fashion, and life itself never truly faltered.
And, let's face it, there's something quite magical about dancing, and even more so, dancing in Paris! The energy here, the history, the passion for art and creativity, it simply ignites a spark of wonder. And I confess, darlings, I took several ballet lessons that week! The sheer talent and grace of Parisian dancers is quite inspiring. I’m pretty certain my own tutu spun and pirouetted just a little extra with excitement!
As my time-travel adventure drew to a close, I boarded the Orient Express, its opulent carriage with velvet upholstery reminding me of another time and headed back to Derbyshire, but I had my own Paris treasures - those beautiful shopping finds!
And before I go, darlings, remember to embrace a little bit of the 1915 Paris spirit -* live with passion and courage, be stylish and embrace the world of dance and beauty.* And most importantly, don't forget your tutu. Pink, of course! I dare you to put on your tutu and pirouette out the door and make your world just a bit more stylish, just like me!
